Assembly to debate critical report on flooding in Wales.

Assembly Members will debate a critical report on the management of flooding in Wales during today’s (28 April) Plenary meeting.

The cross-party Sustainability Committee for the National Assembly for Wales released the findings of its inquiry into the problems caused by flooding and how they are addressed earlier this year.

The report which came out of it recommended the establishment of a cover-all agency to end the confusion and misery suffered by people whose homes and livelihoods faced ruin when the waters rose.

From visiting communities affected by flooding across Wales the Committee heard stories of the devastating effect of flooding, including properties damaged by sewage overflow or families who had been unable to get home insurance because their area was deemed too high-risk.

The key message which came out of the report was that there was a pressing need for clearer information, guidance and support before, during and after flooding.

Chair of the Sustainability Committee Mike German AM said: “The people who told us of their personal accounts of flooding for this report certainly left a lasting effect on this committee.

“Their experiences were horrendous and in many cases people are still struggling to come to terms with the devastating effects flooding has had on their lives long after the waters have receded.

“It is imperative that all that can be done to help protect people’s homes and livelihoods is done, and should those measures fail, all the help, advice and support they need both during and after the event is in place.

“The Welsh Government must ensure that clear information and guidance is available, and an agency with responsibility to handle all aspects of all types of flooding would go a long way towards winning back public confidence.

“I am very interested to hear what my fellow Assembly Members have to say during this debate.”

The Committee made 28 recommendations to the Welsh Government in the report it published in February. 21 out of those 28 recommendations have been accepted either wholly, in part or in principle by the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson AM.